8 June 2020, Cagayan de Oro City – Some 120 nutrition workers attended the first online capacity building organized by NNC X. The virtual Orientation on Nutrition in Emergencies (NIEM)-Information Management (IM) was held 4-5 June 2020 via Google Meet to provide a crash course for nutrition workers on NiEm and IM concepts in time for the COVID-19 crisis.

An average of 128 Nutrition Action Officers, District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators, local nutrition office staff and Nutritionist-Dietitians under the Human Resource for Health Program of the DOH joined the one day and a half orientation.

Facilitating the orientation was NNC X led by NPC Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and technical staff. To orient the participants on NIEM and IM, were: 1) Dr. Emma Pilar G. Imperio – Medical Officer III, DOH Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao (CHD-NM), 2) Ms. Telesfora G. Madelo – ND IV, DOH CHD-NM, 3) Ms. Liwayway S. Llorico, RND and NNC X staff, specifically NPC Fernandez, NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle and ND II Angelique Jean Maggay.

Since the activity was an orientation and not a full-scale training, select topics on NIEM-IM modules were undertaken. NIEM focused on Cluster Approach, malnutrition during emergencies, NIEM and its importance, NIEM interventions, Minimum Service Package for nutrition, DRRM-H and NPM planning processes, preparing the DRRM-H NIE Plan and capturing good practices and lessons learned through documentation.

Meanwhile, select tools on IM were discussed one-by-one, namely the data repository, 4Ws (who, what, when, where), capacity map and Nutrition Initial Needs Assessment (NINA). Guides on how to accomplish the tools, especially the 4Ws, was discussed, as well as the deadlines for reports submission. Template on documenting practices that work was also shared for LGUs with unique nutrition interventions in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the discussion of the modules, DOH CHD-NM shared Region 10 COVID-19 updates as of 3 June 2020 and report on Severely/Moderately Acute Malnourished children.

Quizzes and ice breakers were administered, too, where winners received a prize from NNC X.

Monitoring and technical assistance through face-to-face interaction with LGUs are challenging in the current setting. The orientation, although done virtually, served as refresher for those capacitated and guide for those who are not yet trained on how to make nutrition work, even in times of emergencies. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)